Domestic Issues Dominate Prime Minister's Strong Diet Debut
Sanae Takaichi delivered a solid first performance in parliament, focusing on domestic matters after a whirlwind week led by foreign policy. As the leader of a minority government within a new coalition, her speech was understandably brief on specifics.
The current Diet session will center on economic and political reforms, which are highly contentious not only among political parties and the public, but also within Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party and coalition partners.
There is no consensus on how to proceed and decisions on any one issue are likely to antagonize potential allies on others. This would test any politician’s skills.
Takaichi’s relative inexperience in high-level political maneuvering and her position at the head of a minority government will soon put her capabilities to the test.
The Coalition's Agenda
The coalition between the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Japan Innovation Party (JIP) rests on a 12-point program formulated after the election. One major JIP demand is to reduce the number of Lower House representatives by 10%.
This proposal aligns with Japan's declining population but poses a threat to smaller parties and incumbent politicians who could lose their districts or proportional representation seats.
But even opposition politicians have voiced support for the initiative.
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Author's summary: Sanae Takaichi’s initial parliamentary appearance focused on contentious domestic reforms, highlighting the fragile coalition dynamics and the challenges ahead for her minority government.
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